Barron to challenge Searer for judge seat

February 22, 2013

LEWISTOWN - Mifflin County Assistant District Attorney Dave W. Barron has announced his intention to run for Common Pleas Judge.

Barron, a Republican, will cross file and will face incumbent President Judge Timothy S. Searer in the November election. Searer recently announced he will seek a third term.

"My opponent will have served 20 years as a judge in Mifflin County. If elected to another 10-year term, he would potentially be on the bench through 2023. Three decades without change is not in the best interest of our community. I am running as the candidate of change," Barron said.

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Dave W. Barron

Barron has been practicing law for over 20 years and was asked by District Attorney Dave Molek, shortly after he was elected in 2012, to serve as one of two ADAs in Mifflin County.

Barron said he hopes to bring a "fresh perspective" to the bench.

Barron said he believes in term limits and would not run for more than one term as a Common Pleas Judge.

"I'm not going to do this all my life," he added.

Barron is a native of Mifflin County and graduated from Lewistown Area High School, before attending Tulane University. He received his law degree from Widener University in 1992, after which he joined Barron & Zimmerman Law offices where his father worked.

"Dad said the truth can be hard to find and hard to see," Barron said in speaking about his late father's influence on him.

Barron has represented citizens in criminal and civil cases and has also appeared in the Superior and Supreme Courts of Pennsylvania. He also served as an Assistant Public Defender, at one point in his career.

"I have represented hundreds of cases before the bench in several counties and if elected, I will take that perspective, the peoples perspective, to the bench with me. I will approach each case presented to me with respect and consideration. No one will be brushed aside. I will maintain a firm, honest and fair courtroom. I will also fulfill the complete 10-year term," he said.

Barron said his late father played a big role in his desire to become an attorney.

"I've always wanted to help people," Barron said.

Although Barron isn't doing defense work, in light of his current status as an assistant prosecutor, he still handles some Social Security Disability cases. He said it can be very rewarding to help someone get Social Security benefits when that person is truly disabled and in need.

"I've learned through my experience as a trial attorney that our fellow citizens will respect the judgments from our courts if the cases are run fairly, with respect for all parties, and in accordance with our traditions, laws and our Constitution. The courtroom does not belong to the judge presiding over it but to the citizens of the county. If elected, I will be sure that everyone who comes before me will have the opportunity to be heard," Barron said.

Barron lives in Lewistown with his wife, Lentha and their two children. They attend Yeagertown United Methodist Church.